100 Modern Classic Movies

Instructions are to bold movies we’ve seen. I’ve added my own comments — so you can see if we share the same tastes or not.

1. Pulp Fiction (1994) — Reminds me of the boys on Pine Street.  Language is unbearable.
2. The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001-03) — Not a fan.
3. Titanic (1997) — A movie I could watch anytime.
4. Blue Velvet (1986) ???
5. Toy Story (1995) — I'm sure this will come up again, I'm not a Tom Hanks fan.  But this film was cute.
6. Saving Private Ryan (1998 ) — Wow... didn't know Tom would come up again so quickly. This is a terrific film. Loved it.
7. Hannah and Her Sisters (1986) — I have not seen this film but it's on my list.
8. The Silence of the Lambs (1991) — I saw this in the theater. Great acting, disturbing film.
9. Die Hard (1988 ) This was a favorite for a long time after seeing it the first time.
10. Moulin Rouge (2001) — This movie always makes me think of my stepson, Bo.  While watching it once he shouted, "THIS MOVIE MAKES ME WANNA SING!"
11. This Is Spinal Tap (1984) -- Great film. Kirk Demaris introduced me to this film.
12. The Matrix (1999) — Saw this movie in the theater in Santa Barbara.  While leaving the theater, a guy in front of me said, "I have no idea what that movie was about... but I LOVED IT!" It was my sentiment exactly!
13. GoodFellas (1990) -- Haven't seen it; want to.
14. Crumb (1995) — ???
15. Edward Scissorhands (1990) — Not a fan.
16. Boogie Nights (1997) - I confess, I enjoyed this film. Probably the era. Distrubing.
17. Jerry Maguire (1996) - Not a big fan of this film.
18. Do the Right Thing (1989) - Didn't see this film. It should probably be on my list, but not drawn to it.
19. Casino Royale (2006) — Didn't see.
20. The Lion King (1994) — Enjoyed it.
21. Schindler’s List (1993) — Powerful film. Terrific!
22. Rushmore (1998 ) Didn't see.
23. Memento (2001) – Haven't seen.
24. A Room with a View (1986) — ???
25. Shrek (2001) — Bleck!
26. Hoop Dreams (1994) — No interest.
27. Aliens (1986) — I can't believe I haven't seen this classic. On my list.
28. Wings of Desire (1988 ) — ???
29. The Bourne Supremacy (2004) — Awesome film! Awesome series.
30. When Harry Met Sally… (1989) — Not a fan.
31. Brokeback Mountain (2005) Powerful film. Beautiful cinematography.
32. Fight Club (1999) — Disturbing and LOVED IT!
33. The Breakfast Club (1985) — Great classic film.
34. Fargo (1996) One of my favorites! (What's up with me an all these 'disturbing' films???)
35. The Incredibles (2004) — Didn't see.
36. Spider-Man 2 (2004) — Love Spidey!
37. Pretty Woman (1990) I don't know why I like this movie so much but I do. Normally I shun chic-flicks.
38. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) — Haven't seen... on my list!
39. The Sixth Sense (1999) This film bent my mind. Really enjoyed it.
40. Speed (1994) — Not a fan.
41. Dazed and Confused (1993) — Haven't seen it... it's on my list.
42. Clueless (1995) — Funny movie.
43. Gladiator (2000) — It was okay.
44. The Player (1992) — ???.
45. Rain Man (1988 ) — Great film.
46. Children of Men (2006) — ???
47. Men in Black (1997) — Not a Will Smith fan. Okay film
48. Scarface (1983) — I can't believe I haven't seen this film. On my list!
49. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) — I liked this movie.
50. The Piano (1993) — I really liked this film.
51. There Will Be Blood (2007) — ???
52. The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad (1988 ) — Love them all.
53. The Truman Show (1998 ) — Clever film.
54. Fatal Attraction (1987) — Okay.
55. Risky Business (1983) — Reminds me of college
56. The Lives of Others (2006) — ???
57. There’s Something About Mary (1998 ) — H A T E D it!
58. Ghostbusters (1984) — Didn't care for it.
59. L.A. Confidential (1997) — Haven't seen this film.
60. Scream (1996) No desire to see this film.
61. Beverly Hills Cop (1984) Had to go see it... entertaining.
62. sex, lies and videotape (1989) - Didn't care for it.
63. Big (1988 ) I can't stand watching this movie. I think this was the film that turned me off to Tom Hanks. Seemed rediculous.
64. No Country For Old Men (2007) — Looking forward to seeing this film.
65. Dirty Dancing (1987) — Mildly entertaining.
66. Natural Born Killers (1994) - Enjoyed.
67. Donnie Brasco (1997) - ???
68. Witness (1985) — Excellent film. I saw this in the theater a couple times.
69. All About My Mother (1999) = ???
70. Broadcast News (1987) I enjoyed this film.
71. Unforgiven (1992) - I think I've seen it? LOL
72. Thelma & Louise (1991) — Didn't get into this movie.
73. Office Space (1999) — Great movie. Loved it!
74. Drugstore Cowboy (1989) - ???
75. Out of Africa (1985) — Great movie. Loved the house.
76. The Departed (2006) — ???
77. Sid and Nancy (1986) - Never saw it.
78. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) — Love the T movies.
79. Waiting for Guffman (1996) — One of my favs. Hilarious.
80. Michael Clayton (2007) — ???
81. Moonstruck (1987) I enjoyed this movie! "Snap out of it!"
82. Lost in Translation (2003) — Good movie.
83. Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn (1987) — uh... NO!
84. Sideways (2004) — I really didn't enjoy this movie.
85. The 40 Year-Old Virgin (2005) - No desire to see this film.
86. Y Tu Mamá También (2002) — ???
87. Swingers (1996) - ???
88. Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997) - I enjoyed all the AP films.
89. Breaking the Waves (1996) - ???
90. Napoleon Dynamite (2004) — I was Napoleon Dynamite before Napoleon Dynamite was cool.
91. Back to the Future (1985) — Culture classic but not a big fan.
92. Menace II Society (1993) - ???
93. Ed Wood (1994) - Haven't seen but I think I'd like it.
94. Full Metal Jacket (1987) - Another Classic 80's film I haven't seen.
95. In the Mood for Love (2001) - ???
96. Far From Heaven (2002) - ???
97. Glory (1989) - ???
98. The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) - I loved this movie as it's set in Italy.
99. The Blair Witch Project (1999) - Haven't seen it. No desire.
100. South Park: Bigger Longer & Uncut (1999) — Dumber than Dumb & Dumber. No desire!

Um, where was Braveheart? Boy, that's embarrassing.


Agree? Disagree?
Please let me know if you share your thoughts on your own blog. I want to see!
Instructions are to bold movies we’ve seen. I’ve added my own comments — so you can see if we share the same tastes or not.

TCM's

Side note: Boy this year is flying by. I can’t believe it’s already mid-July.

I have been wanting to post something here for awhile but not really sure of what to share. It seems like there’s a lot going on while at the same time nothing is really happening. Ha. How’s that for a contradictory statement?!

What I really want to share today is my recent obsession with TCM--that is the Turner Classic Movies cable network. I am obsessed. It seems like recently, every night when I get home from work I find the most interesting old movies to keep me up until the wee hours of the morning.

The other day A Thousand Clowns was on and it reminded me of another classic movie, the movie I listed in my last post as my favorite movie, Ordinary People. There is a line in Ordinary People that references the play which the movie A Thousand Clowns was based. I have always wondered about this play/movie since seeing Ordinary People in the early 80’s.

A Thousand Clowns was a terrific film; one I would highly recommend to anyone looking for 2 hours of pure enjoyment.

I looked for a clip to post of line, “We’re doing A Thousand Clowns this year” from Ordinary People, but I couldn't find one. But I did find a wonderful clip from the movie to share.

Ordinary People had a profound impact on my emotional development as I transitioned into adulthood. It has served me well when faced with different issues that have arisen over the years. I can’t help but think of the line Conrad says after his theraputic outburst, “I don’t know what I would have done if you weren’t here.” I think to myself, “I don’t know what I would have done had I not seen this film 28 years ago!"

Enjoy a terrific clip of Timothy Hutton and Judd Hirsch’s performances as Conrad Jarrett and psychologist, Dr. Tyrone C. Berger. This is certainly the scene that won Tim the Golden Globe and Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor and Judd the Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in this film.

The beginning is very dark, but hang in there, it gets better.

(Be forewarned, this clip contains language that may be offensive to some)

Ordinary People

All About Me (2008 Update)

I thought I would update this list as a few things have changed in the past 3 years:

Nicknames: Genor, Gern
Parent's names: Marvin and Nada
Number of candles that will appear on your next birthday: 47
Date that you will blow them out: March 23
Pets: 3 cats: Jaki, Niki and Bobi
eye color: Blue
hair color: Red
Piercing: none
Tattoos: none
Ever egged a house? No
Favorite color: Blue
Hometown: Amboy, Illinois
Current Residence: Harrison, Arkansas
Favorite Food: Currently, Curry Chicken Salad
Been to Africa? Yes. Egypt
Been toilet papering? Every weekend my last 2 years of high school.
Loved somebody so much that it made you cry? regretfully, yes.
Been in a car accident? Yes, a few
Croutons or Bacon Bits? Neither
Sprite or 7UP? Sprite
Favorite movie: Too many to choose. Probably "Ordinary People"
Favorite Holiday: Thanksgiving
Favorite Day of the Week: Saturday
Favorite word or phrase: "Let's make this the best night ever!"
Favorite Hobby: gosh, too many.
Favorite restaurant: The Brown Pelican, Santa Barbara, CA
Favorite cola: Don't drink it any more.
Favorite sport to watch: College basketball
Preferred type of ice cream: Vanilla
Favorite Sesame Street Character: Elmo
Disney or Warner Bros.: Disney
Favorite Fast Food: Salad
When was your last hospital visit? Never been in the hospital
What color is your bedroom carpet? Beige
How many times did you fail your driver's test? Passed 1st time
Have you ever been convicted of a crime? No
What single store would you choose to max out your credit card in? Nordstrom
What do you do most often when you are bored? Play solitaire on the computer
Name the person you are friends with that lives the farthest away: Dean Reusser, Kabul, Afghanistan
Most annoying thing people ask me: Do you like working nights?
Bedtime: Approximately 4-5 a.m.
Favorite all time TV show? Will and Grace
Last person you had dinner with: My wife Chris
Last movie you saw in the theatre: I have no idea

Thought for the Week

Think of Excellence

Philippians 4:8 "...Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

Your beliefs become your thoughts.
Your thoughts become your words.
Your words become your actions.
Your actions become your habits.
Your habits become your values.
Your values become your destiny.
- Mahatma Gandhi

Keyboarding skills

Try this out. It's fun!

62 words

Speed test

Frozen Grand Central

This is awesome! I think I would freak out if I had stumbled upon this little stunt. Enjoy.

The Real McCain

I wish I could find the entire documentary but for the moment, enjoy this:

John McCain Vs. John McCain

PAY ATTENTION!

I’m going to preface this post by saying that anyone who reads what I’m about to write and would really like to give me a piece of their mind but doesn’t want their comments published on my blog, I invite you to send me a personal response to my email address at gene.sullivan@cox.net.

The idea of posting some Anti-Bush bumper sticker quotes came to me after I posted a Bush Countdown Clock on my blog earlier today. Almost immediately after I posted the clock, I decided to remove it, for various reason. Primarily because I decided I didn’t want a permanent element of my blog dedicated to this function for the length of time left for this administration. But I must admit that there was a tinge of conviction that I was being disrespectful of the office of President.

I am a reasonably patriotic American and I do feel that the office of President does command a high level of respect; however, I am absolutely convinced, to my core, that our current administration is rotten to it’s core! What the Bush administration has done to our national reputation is appalling. And like the bumper sticker says, “If you are not outraged, you are not paying attention!”

I have several friends now that live abroad that I communicate with on a regular basis (thanks to the internet) and what I keep hearing from almost every single one of them is that the rest of the world now sees the United States of America as hateful, tyrant, selfish, and torturous.

Unfortunately I don’t believe that the world’s opinion has been shaped by our countries terrible behavior over the last six years. But rather, it’s because of the 2004 election and the associated public support our country had for Bush and his policies. In the past when our government screwed up, folks in other countries would give us the benefit of the doubt, and they were often proved correct: American’s would not tolerate tyranny on their watch But under Bush, the American people explicitly embraced tyranny on their own behalf by re-electing him, thus revealing a hateful side of our national character that we had not revealed quite so clearly before. The difference in our standing in the world now is that we have showed the world that the American people are in fact capable of these things I mention: hate, tyranny, selfishness, torture, etc. I guess in truth, you really can’t blame Bush, he didn’t re-elect himself.

Which brings me to the meat of my message. Folks, we need a change. And we need a change which provides us someone that can help restore America’s reputation in the world. Someone that will promote our interests, while ensuring security and advancing our values.

Our world is facing colossal global problems during the next presidential term (climate change, poverty, disease, and terrorism) that will require us to be strong and engaging. Make certain friend, that you are paying attention and that the person you support can fit the bill!

Okay, let me have it… really give it to me! www.gene.sullivan@cox.net

I'm Exhausted...

...but I have to punch out something. I can't blow a New Year's Resolution in only three days. I had a full body massage this a.m. and worked for 10 hours right afterwards. UGH! So needless to say, I'm really tired.

More tomorrow....

Bo's goin' to Yellowstone!

I'm happy to announce that Bo was offered a summer job at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming! He's supposed to report in at Gardiner, MT on June 4th. We're very excited for him!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

"Let's Make This The Best Year Ever!"

There's a phrase that we regularly say at work that goes like this, “Let’s make this the best night ever!” It’s a phrase that's always spoken with just a slight hint of sarcasm. But it's a phrase that never ceases to put a smile on the face of those within ear shot. I hear it almost every day. It’s a phrase often quoted after one is greeted with an unpleasant task; or upon arrival on a day when traffic is unusually high. But it's a phrase that gives us hope that we can arrive at the end of the day still with a smile on our face.

My challenge to you today, “Let’s make this the best year ever!” Towards that effort, let me offer a few ways to deal with the things that may come your way and try and steal away peace of mind and happiness this year:

1. Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue.

2. Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.

3. Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.

4. Drive carefully. It's not only cars that can be recalled by their maker.

5. If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.

6. If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.

7. It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply be kind to others.

8. Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won't have a leg to stand on.

9. Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.

10. Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.

11. The second mouse gets the cheese.

12. When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.

13. Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.

14. You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.

15. Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.

16. We could learn a lot from crayons... Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names, and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box..

17. A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.

Have an awesome year, the best ever!

Goodbye 2007

I have about an hour and 7 minutes to say goodbye to 2007. I don't think I'm going to miss it too much. It's difficult to take my mind off all its atrocities: The massacre at Virginia Tech, the recent assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Bhutto, the continuing nuclear standoff with Iraq, unrest in Myanmar and George Bush's ongoing war in Iraq... the deadly bridge collapse in Minnesota, wildfires in California and Greece, a rise in foreclosures, huge fuel prices... and worst of them all, the spectacle surrounding Anna Nicole Smith's death (enough already)... Never has the term goodbye been more appropriate! GOODbye 2007.

Hello 2008! I hope you'll bring us better times. I am hopeful; although, with the freaks we're turning out in our schools, still another year of Bush (God help us), Global warming and a media force out to publish and broadcast what sells, I'm not too hopeful. I think perhaps one of my resolutions should be to turn off the TV and disconnect the high speed internet.

We bade adieu to many celbs this year. A few of note: Luciano Pavorotti, Dan Fogelberg, Evil Knievel, Robert Goulet, Merv Griffin, Tom Snyder, Tammy Faye Messner, Charles Nelson Reilly, Beverly Sills, Porter Wagoner, Joel Siegel, Dick "Mr. Wipple" Wilson, Lady Bird Johnson, Liz Claiborne, Tommy Newsome, Don Ho, Marcel Marceau and Larry "Bud" Melman. They were wonderful entertainment and inspiration.

On a much more personal note, I will dearly miss Derek Masters. Derek was one of Kip's best buds during high school and a close friend to everyone in our family. His life was cut short on November 10th when he was killed in a motorcycle accident in North Carolina. I will miss his spontaneous visits when he was home on a leave. I will miss his wonderful grin and innocent temperament. One would never have guessed this wonderful young man would grow up to be a Sergeant in the US Marine Corps, but he did. We were and are so proud of his accomplishmens and service. Our hearts and prayers go out to Mike and kelly and the rest of Derek's family.

Well, I have 5 minutes left. Let me take that time to say how much I love & appreciate my family; my wonderful wife, Chris (today is our 7th wedding anniversary); my stepson Kip & his wife Jessica, they are such a terrific team; my precious step-daughter Jewell who is amazing; and my most incredible stepson Bo, who I hope never doubts the depth of my love. I love them all so much.

May you be blessed in 2008!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The Kids

Here are a couple pics of the kids from our recent trip to Colorado.











Kip & Jessica





Bo & Jewell

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Merry Christmas everyone!